MBS Equipment help inspire young people at East London careers showcase event

Organised by the team at Film Barking and Dagenham, the MBS Equipment provided equipment and support to a recent film industry careers showcase event held at UCL Pearl. 

Attended by an invited audience of 700 young people, aged between 11 and 18years, from schools in the local area, the event offered the opportunity to experience, close up, a music video style shoot, featuring local artist Hakkz, performing in a ‘real-world’ studio set up. 

Following filming, the students were given the opportunity to rotate through a number of ‘zones’ hosted by a selection of production facilities, including hair and make-up, camera, lighting and location services. 

Providing an overview of the various crafts behind the camera, representatives took time to explain the valuable contribution made by each department and the role they play in supporting the film making process. 

Toby Dare, MBSE director of sustainability and Training said: “Being able to offer the opportunity for youngsters to experience the way in which a film shoot comes together provides them an invaluable understanding, not only into the many departments at work behind the camera, but the amount of opportunity there is to get involved”. 

East London is home to a thriving film making community, with the borough of Barking and Dagenham recently hosting high profile shows from the likes of Disney, Netflix and Apple. Major investment in the area, including the recently completed Wharf Studios in Barking and the 12 stage complex, Eastbrook Studios at Dagenham East, which, on completion will be London’s largest studio facility, is creating a new wave of opportunity within this area of the capital. 

Anna Wilson, sector lead for film & creative industries, Film Barking and Dagenham said: “This event demonstrated the broad scope of industry roles available, in a dynamic, engaging way. This type of insight can help bust some of the myths surrounding working in film, which can so often seem mysterious and out of reach – rather than ‘tell’ students about these jobs, we want to ‘show’ them. By introducing young people to professionals they can relate to, we’re shortening the aspiration and attainment gap, and inspiring a whole new generation of East London creatives”. 

Dare concluded: “It’s been tremendously rewarding to see the level of interest generated by this event. Rather than focussing on being in front of the camera, it will hopefully encourage young people to further investigate the many roles and opportunities available within the wider film and TV production process”.